Video: Understanding frequency and gain EQ controls

The two most important controls in any equalizer are frequency and gain. Just like the two dimensions of sound waves--frequency and amplitude--the frequency and gain controls are the heart of the EQ and allow us to apply amplitude changes to specific ranges of frequencies. An EQ's frequency control tells the EQ where to increase or decrease a signal's amplitude, while the gain control tells the EQ how much.

In this installment of the Foundations of Audio series, author Brian Lee White shows producers and audio engineers how to properly apply equalization (EQ) and improve the sound of their mixes. The course covers the use of parametric and graphic EQs—and filters such as the high/low pass filters and shelf filters—in a variety of musical settings. These principles can be applied to any digital audio workstation platform, including Logic and Pro Tools, as well as analog workflows.

Understanding frequency and gain EQ controls

The two most important controls in any equalizer are frequency and gain.Just like the two dimensions of sound waves--frequency and amplitude--thefrequency and gain controls are the heart of the EQ and allow us to applyamplitude changes to specific ranges of frequencies.An EQ's frequency control tells the EQ where to increase or decrease a signal'samplitude, while the gain control tells the EQ how much.

Listen to this audio example as I increase the gain control and sweep through therange of frequencies from low to high.(music playing)An increase in gain is often referred to as a boost.

Now listen again to an audio example as I decrease the gain control and sweepthrough the range of frequencies.(music playing)A decrease in gain is often referred to as a cut.

An EQ's frequency and gain controls allow us to reshape a signal's amplitudeacross the frequency spectrum.By boosting or cutting a signal's amplitude over various frequency bands, wecan work towards a more idealized frequency balance to help an instrument sitbetter in a mix.Many EQs show their frequency and gain relationship in an X-Y graph, with eachband displayed as a breakpoint, visually representing where gain is being addedor subtracted to the frequency range of the signal.

But there are plenty of EQs, including many vintage and vintage-modeled onesthat have no graphic display of the affected frequencies.They simply show the gain and frequency controls as marks on a dial or knob.Many EQs are split into multiple frequency bands, or ranges, in which thefrequency control can be swept.These unique bands allow multiple points of frequency cut or boost within the same EQ.While one band may be used to boost a range of higher frequencies,another may be used simultaneously to cut a range of lower frequencies.

Some EQs allow a continuous sweep of frequencies and gain controls, while otherswill use fixed interval frequency and gain points.For example, the famous Neve 1073 EQ offers three bands, each with fixed-intervalfrequency selectors.The mid-band offers six frequency points at 7.2k, 4.8k, 3.2k, 1.6k, 0.7k, and0.36k, while the high- frequency band is fixed at 12k.

At first glance, you may be overwhelmed with the number of controls on yourEQ, but ultimately it is the frequency and gain controls that lie at theheart of any EQ.If you can understand how to use these controls, you can easily use almost any EQ.

There are currently no FAQs about Foundations of Audio: EQ and Filters.

Learn by watching, listening, and doing, Exercise files are the same files the author uses in the course, so you can download them and follow along Premium memberships include access to all exercise files in the library.

Already a member ?

Learn by watching, listening, and doing! Exercise files are the same files the author uses in the course, so you can download them and follow along. Exercise files are available with all Premium memberships.
Learn more

Upgrade to our Annual Premium Membership today and get even more value from your lynda.com subscription:

“In a way, I feel like you are rooting for me. Like you are really invested in my experience, and want me to get as much out of these courses as possible this is the best place to start on your journey to learning new material.”— Nadine H.

Thanks for signing up.

We’ll send you a confirmation email shortly.

Sign up and receive emails about lynda.com and our online training library:

new course releases

newsletter

general communications

special notices

Here’s our privacy policy with more details about how we handle your information.

Keep up with news, tips, and latest courses with emails from lynda.com.

Sign up and receive emails about lynda.com and our online training library:

new course releases

newsletter

general communications

special notices

Here’s our privacy policy with more details about how we handle your information.